The Lion, the Wolf, and the Snake

He was done. Severus completed the complicated Arithmancy calculations necessary to determine the exact dosage and density of the potion. He worked on the calculations all day, as he had to find the right balance of St. John's wort, aconite and valerian to tranquilize Remus in werewolf form. Asleep, he would cause no harm to himself or the public, as well as reducing his mental stress from the change. Thankfully, Minerva cancelled his classes once again in order to give him the time necessary to research this potion and obtain the necessary ingredients.

He examined all that he had accomplished in mere hours and was very pleased with himself. Never before had this combination been attempted, let alone cataloged. With his thorough calculations, Severus was certain of his success. He was pioneering the world of Potions... yet again. Maybe he would publish his findings in The Pious Potioneer's Periodical once this was all over, and he was able to discuss the outcome of his 'research' findings.

If he was concerned about anything, it was the one ingredient that he deemed necessary to keep the wolf sedated. It was the strongest of all narcosis-inducing plants, found in the Sibundoy region of Colombia. Typically, it was used in Divination, and other witchcraft, by the indigenous wizarding tribes. The effects of this narcotic usually lasted for two full days; it might persist for up to four with long periods of complete lack of consciousness. The art would be Severus' ability to use enough of the narcotic to make Remus unaware of his surroundings and of the feral urges building inside of him, but not enough to kill him or to do permanent damage. It was a challenge indeed.

The actual execution of this potion was simple enough. It lacked the complexity Severus was used to in other brews, though strangely enough, this brew was the most complicated he would ever prepare! The base potion, which only required minimum preparation time, used the most innocuous of ingredients. The difficulty lay in preparing the actual narcotic, which required harvesting from the plant an hour before its use. This was not an easy feat, considering the plant only grew in the remotest regions of South America, and transplanting was not possible due to the rapid weakening of its fragile magical properties.

Severus tilted his chair back and propped his feet up on the desk. Despite the exhilaration that usually accompanied his new creations, he had to admit that he was exhausted. Thankfully, he had completed the base potion. It was bottled and secured for traveling, as was everything else he could possibly need in order to complete the narcotic portion of the brew. Everything he required for a successful outcome was ready, with the exception of obtaining the precious narcotic. Earlier today, he had submitted an application to the Gobierno Mágico de América Latina, seeking permission to obtain the plant. They indicated that he would receive their answer within the hour... but had kept him waiting three. Naturally, his proposal was flawless, and he couldn't understand their delay. He had already received permission from the Portkey Office, at the Ministry's Department of Magical Transportation, to create the Portkeys necessary to travel to and from Colombia, so they could not be responsible for the hold up.

Shaking his head, ridding himself of his weariness, he rubbed his face and examined his progress. Although he surmised that no more than half a batch would be required, Severus completed two batches of the base potion in his quest to never be without. He was still not privy to the location Minerva had chosen to hide Remus, but he would make sure that he was ready for any and all possible scenarios.

And with that thought, Severus decided that he would need to refresh himself. After ensuring that all needed materials were packed and ready for traveling, wherever that traveling would be, he cleaned his desk and work area, then proceeded to the bathroom to shower. As he removed his clothing, his thoughts began to wander, revisiting the tumultuous events of the last couple of days. He had been driven to the brink, been in danger of falling into the pit of despair. He had almost given in to his inner beast, but thankfully had been receptive to Albus' guidance. Today would pose a new challenge for him. He would be in Hermione's company all evening while she assisted him with caring for Remus. This would indeed be difficult, as the last time he saw her she was obviously angry with him for not completing the Wolfsbane Potion. If only she knew how much regret was bottled up inside of him. Not only was he regretful for not completing the potion on time, but even more importantly, for what he almost did to Hermione, and for taking the liberty of erasing her memory of the incident.

Incident....

Such a simple, yet interesting word. It can refer to almost anything. Regardless of intention, this seemingly innocent word definitely held a negative connotation. This incident added fuel to his already blazing pyre of failures. Despite the many accomplishments he had achieved in his field, with the Order, and most importantly, his eventual defeat of the wizarding world's greatest enemy, he was unable to expunge these failures. Yet despite them, Severus was far from being a stupid man. No... he was not stupid and he was not evil, regardless of what some people thought of him. He was not a social man. Rather than expose himself to the awkward niceties of those who were not interested in him at all, he preferred his own company. Those who were truly interested in him were either contemporaries curious about his professional endeavors, or colleagues able to get past his dry wit and gruff exterior. Then, there was the occasional admirer, like that Frances woman who came onto him a little over a month ago at the Leaky Cauldron. She was just interested in him for the fame of shagging a war hero. There was no reason for him to expose his vulnerabilities; to be rejected or badgered. Severus had always been a loner, but he learned long ago, during his own education at Hogwarts, that in order to protect himself, emotionally and physically, he must keep away from others. He relied upon the only person he could truly count on, himself.

There were few people in his life that he could consider friends, in the loosest term of the word. Of course, there was Albus, then there was Remus. He was the only one of his colleagues who was able to ignore the rougher edges of his personality and get a glimpse of the man within. Minerva was never a friend. She never bothered to get to know him. Appointing him to be her Deputy, he believed, was the influence of Albus, who apparently, even in death, was still lending leadership to the school.

Hermione, though, had seemed very interested in him. Not as a contemporary, nor a colleague, but certainly as a lover. And now, what would come of their relationship? In actual fact, it wasn't a relationship at all, at least not a romantic one. Despite the promising, interesting, and most certainly satisfying events of his first therapy session, she later sought out Remus' companionship. More importantly, during the brief moments they had spent alone together, she had accused him of lying about Remus and correctly identified that he was her actual patient. She was a very smart witch indeed. With the time she had spent with Remus, they had likely become involved, and she must have realized that she had been correct – Remus was not the patient in question. Unless, of course, the fates had the two men suffering from the same affliction... one could only hope.

Regardless, Severus knew that the blame lay solely with him. He had started this whole fiasco with Hermione, lying regarding his condition, attributing it to Remus, and then the incident that followed. Even though he had Obliviated a portion of her memory, it was evident that she was skeptical of his story. But then again, she couldn't be certain of her conclusions after his more than adequate arousal and subsequent ejaculation during his session with her. All of this supposition was confusing him. He was not used to confusion, but it was evident that he was no longer in control of the situation.

Shower completed, Severus found himself looking into his closet deciding to what to wear... again. Hermione, a woman almost twenty years his junior, had him obsessed and preoccupied with his appearance, and that just wouldn't do. He was not a man to be infatuated with any woman, and at forty-six he was damned if he would begin now. No, he had to be in command of himself. He had to find a way to regain some semblance of control over the situation, over his life, and find a way to deal with the ramifications of the incident.

If he were to spend the entire evening babysitting a wolf in the company of a very delectable woman, he would need to have the upper hand. He was a Slytherin, after all. He needed to take the reins, implement his tried and true tactical maneuvers that have served him so well in the past. Severus decided that tonight would be a perfect opportunity for him to gain control of this most unmanageable situation. Just one thing was missing... a plan.

As he considered his options for dealing with Hermione, a sealed note appeared in front of him with a resonating pop. The wax seal bore the official emblem of the Gobierno Mágico de América Latina. He smirked to himself as he read their approval of his proposed use for the narcotic.

~*~

'Finally,' Severus thought to himself at hearing the knock on his door. In his opinion, Minerva was quite overdue for informing him where she had decided to safely house Remus during his transformation this evening. He opened the door and felt the unbalance try to take him over again.

"Hello, Severus. How are you?"

"Don't you have a business to run, Miss Granger?" Severus quipped as he eyed the unexpected guest at his door.

"After our session on Monday, and our time together on Tuesday evening, I believe you can call me Hermione," she said as she walked past him into his lounge.

"Hermione," Severus whispered, surprised that she would so casually bring up their more stimulating encounters, "the question still stands."

"I've rescheduled my afternoon appointments."

"Well then, don't you have a social life? You continually choose to spend your time with Remus and myself."

"You and Remus are my social life."

"My dear girl, you are in your twenties. Two middle-aged wizards are your social life?"

"Well, you two, and Harry as well."

"I still fail to see what I can do you for."

Severus watched as laughter overtook Hermione and he was amazed at her childish behavior. "And I fail to see what you find so amusing, Miss Granger."

"Hermione," she corrected him.

"Hermione."

"I'm sorry, Severus, for some reason I find that particular inquiry rather amusing."

Severus thought for a moment before responding, to be sure he ascertained the situation for what it really was. "Yes, I understand. It could be construed as being rather... suggestive."

Severus noticed Hermione's surprise at his correct speculation, and she responded, "Yes, it can. You read me like a book."

He felt he was doing a fairly decent job at maintaining the upper hand, but was surprised with Hermione's lack of resistance and her apparent sincerity. Regardless, it was clear what was on her mind and, as she freely exposed her vulnerabilities, he felt it was only right to employ his Slytherin tactics. To make his intentions known, Severus placed his right hand on her lower back and guided her to sit down on his lounger, where he joined her. Severus turned to face her, bending his leg underneath him and draping his arm across the back of the couch. In this position Severus was opening up his body to her and presenting himself as sincere and unguarded. He began teasing her tendril curls that fell onto his hand and was pleased to see the immediate effects it had on her. "I would think that Remus would be jealous of his witch spending time in my company."

Not answering his suggested question, Hermione responded, "I like to keep my options... open." She maneuvered closer to him so that their thighs met and Severus could feel the heat radiating off of her body. She was completely aroused and Severus was pleased that he still had IT. With nothing more than a tender touch and a hint of vulnerability, he possessed the power to kindle a witch's smoldering passion in the tips of his long and nimble fingers. As he was reveling in his own salacious talents, Hermione moved closer and asked, "By the way, how's your witch, Severus?"

"I find myself in rather similar circumstances as you, Hermione," Severus purred close to her ear as he continued playing with her hair. "It is best to keep one's options open, as you say."

For a while, they simply looked at each other, trying to ascertain the motive of the other. Severus could see the wheels turning behind Hermione's gaze and decided that now would be the perfect opportunity to set the tone for the evening. With that decision made, he tentatively reached out and touched her cheek gently with his index finger, tracing a delicate line toward her waiting lips. Hermione closed her eyes and visibly trembled. Acutely attuned to her, Severus relished her reaction to his touch. Emboldened by her acquiescence, he moved closer and placed a gentle, lingering kiss on those lips. Her reaction was just as gentle and tender, conveying consent mixed with uncertainty. Reluctantly pulling away, Severus noticed her eyes remained closed, apparently enjoying the sensations he was giving her. He returned to her lips and asked for entrance with his tongue. He felt Hermione smile underneath his lips. When he pulled back again to look into her eyes she was staring at him and returned his tongue's request with a chaste kiss.

"Severus," she said, "I... I think we should end this now. Minerva is waiting for us."

"Waiting?" he asked incredulously. "You came here to fetch me?"

"Well, that sounds a bit harsh. It's not as if I'm fetching a dog. I don't have a Bonio or anything."

"No, you are fetching me. The canine treat is you. Is it not, Miss Granger?"

"Of all the idiotic and insensitive things you have ever said, this one wins the prize, Severus Snape! You dare to suggest I would use my body as a prize for the mere task of bringing, no fetching, you to Minerva? You must think me low. Even the most desperate prostitute in Knockturn Alley asks a fee for service!"

"Are you saying that the price is a bit steeper? Have you given it much thought? Depending on your asking price, I might place a bid," Severus remarked, quite pleased with himself for successfully goading her.

Severus was impressed to say the least. He had provoked her, and here she sat, breathing heavily and with purpose in her attempt to calm herself, and it was working. She actually began to look pleased with herself, leaving him confused, as he was obviously the victor in this verbal battle of wits.

"Severus, thank you for a stimulating sparring match. I look forward to an eventful evening in your company." Hermione's eyes shone with humor and something else, something Severus couldn't quite place. She was almost showing a sense of triumph. Surely she could not be so dense as to think she'd won this round?

"Gryffindors... for all of your bravado, you certainly cower quickly, Miss Granger."

"Severus, for a Slytherin, you're so transparent. If I were you, I'd rethink my plan."

"Plan... what plan is this I should rethink?"

"Oh, come now, everyone knows a Slytherin doesn't do anything without a plan, and if I were you, I'd consider another strategy because the one where you try to incite me just won't work anymore."

"Why, Miss Granger, it's just like a Gryffindor to give your opponent leverage. Thank you for the insight."

"I hope the day comes where you no longer consider me the opponent. I think I would like that very much," Hermione said as she searched his eyes for some recognition and acceptance. "Don't you agree?"

Severus was again taken aback by her apparent sincerity and found himself eager for her comfort. "Yes, I do agree." He reached out to Hermione and led her toward the door.

"Where are we going?"

"Well, you did come here to fetch me, so consider me fetched," Severus conceded with a gleam in his eyes that was as unfamiliar to her as it was to him.

"You are such a complicated man, Professor Severus Snape."

"Indeed, Doctor Granger, and that is possibly the understatement of the year." Severus placed her hand in the crook of his arm and asked, "Shall we?" Hermione's consent was answered by her lovely smile. They left his chambers in a mutually contented reverie.

~*~

"I don't think this is a good idea, Minerva," Remus said as he stood in the girls' first floor lavatory, staring at the open chasm that was the entrance to the fabled Chamber of Secrets. "This is still a part of Hogwarts, and I have no wish to put the students in danger."

"I understand and appreciate your concern, Remus. But as we've already said, once you're in the Chamber, the only way out is through Portkey. The only threat is to Severus and Hermione, as they will be with you." She gave him a motherly pat on the arm. "This cavern held a Basilisk for over a thousand years, I'm sure it can manage to house a wee wolf for a few hours. We will be safe, Remus. Severus' potion will work. You'll be sleeping like a pup for the entire evening."

"And if you should get out, it would be my pleasure to cast a full Body-Bind on you," Severus said. "That may be inevitable, as I will need to get close enough to feed you your dosage, and I certainly don't need you biting my arm off."

Remus laughed nervously and Hermione said, "Don't worry, love." Through her peripheral vision, Hermione noticed Severus' head snap toward her when she called Remus love. 'This is going to be fun,' she thought. "We will not fail you, and you will not harm anyone."

"Listen up," Minerva commanded, clapping her hands together for attention. "Before you go down we need to set the Portkeys. Severus and I have received permission from the Portkey Office at the Ministry to create three. One to your designation in Colombia and another for the return directly into the Chamber. Severus, you must reset the Portkeys for each and every trip. Then, the other is to be used only for your return to the school. It will take you to precisely this spot. To provide additional privacy and security, I will close off this lavatory to the students. And finally, I have spoken to Dobby, and he will be my liaison for what is happening down in the Chamber. I have asked him to check-in every hour, on the hour. Any questions?"

With all three shaking their heads like schoolchildren, Minerva proceeded to set the three Portkeys, showing everyone which Portkey held which predetermined destination. For easy use in handling, Minerva chose a broken pocket watch for their transport to Colombia, a small obsidian rock to return to the Chamber, and a goblet, glittering with gemstones, that was large enough for three individuals to hold for their return trip into the school.

"Severus, a word with you if you please?"

"Yes, Headmistress?"

"If you are unable to control Remus, he'll be trapped in the Chamber without the Portkey. Remus will not be himself for the night, but he will not be able to harm anyone." Earnestly, she looked into his eyes. "You and Hermione must protect yourselves and use the Portkey to return to the school if things get... out of hand. Do you understand?"

Silently, he nodded.

"It is your responsibility, Severus, to protect Hermione." Her statement left no room for argument, despite his itching to do so, and the time was not right to do so. Even he knew his boundaries.

"Wait, wait, wait!" Remus yelled. "I can't go through with this, not here! The Basilisk was able to get into the school and harm the children in the year before I became a professor. If it could gain access then so could I, if I were not contained."

"Remus, calm yourself," Severus replied. "After the Basilisk was destroyed, Dumbledore and I, with the assistance of the other teachers," he added, looking at Minerva, "searched for all possible entrances and exits and we sealed them all. The pipes no longer access any part of the school. The only way out is by Portkey. Not even a Parselmouth can gain access any longer."

"Then how was this entrance opened?" Hermione asked.

"That remains a well-guarded secret known only to the Headmistress and her Deputy," Severus replied loftily.

Minerva cleared her throat. "While I haven't ventured down there for many a year, we've tried to make the way down a little easier on the backside. You should each cast a Cushioning Charm to ease your descent and landing. Severus," she continued, "do you have everything you need?"

"Yes, I have charmed my equipment and supplies to fit in my pocket. I have the Portkeys you've created and I have the werewolf."

"Severus!" Hermione and Minerva exclaimed in unison.

"I can't believe that I am the only one with his humor intact."

"Don't look at me," Remus responded in a quivering tone. "My nerves are frayed. I don't think I could identify a joke at the moment, let alone enjoy one."

"Well, Severus, if that was your idea of humor, then this is going to be one very long night," Hermione said under her breath, hoping not to have to experience any more of his brand of humor.

"It will indeed," Minerva agreed, then went to hug each of them. "Please be safe and return to us unscathed."

With Severus leading the way, they each jumped into the Chamber's foreboding entrance, casting their cushioning charms with the hope of easing their landing.

As Minerva closed the Chamber entrance, she said a plea to the brains behind this plan. "Albus, I hope you know what you're doing." And with that, she magically sealed the doorway to the lavatory.

~*~

"May I?"

Lost in thought, Hermione distantly heard Severus' question and responded reflexively, "May I what?"

After entering the Chamber, Severus had taken on his dark, brooding and mysteriously erotic Professor Snape persona, issuing orders to both her and Remus. Hermione was certain that he was not aware of the effect this particular side of his personality had on her. He probably thought it instilled terror and dread in her, expecting automatic compliance. It did elicit an automatic response from her, but the kind that comes from excess estrogen instead of a fragile nervous system. Snape's display translated into an impenetrable strength and power for Hermione. Focusing on his dark eroticism, she noticed her body's physical response to this, yet again, and she realized she needed a dark corner to hide the increasingly necessary task of using a cleansing charm on her underwear. This was, after all, the Chamber of Secrets, and there had to be a dark corner somewhere.

Pulling her mind out of the dense fog it had drifted into, Hermione realized that she had missed something Severus had said, and if she didn't pay attention, knowing Severus, she would end up offering up her soul to use for some asinine Dark magic, or something just as unpleasant. "I'm sorry, Severus, what did you say?"

"I asked if I may rub that for you."

"What are you talking about?"

"Your derrière, your backside, your..." he leant closer and whispered into her ear, "... rather exceptional buttocks. You've been rubbing them ever since we got down here."

Hermione spotted Severus' air of superiority, apparently he was feeling pleased with himself. She was torn between wanting to flog him for being so smug and wanting to tackle him onto the flagstones, beg him to take her on the cold Chamber floor. "Oh that, well, I landed much harder than anticipated," she responded, imagining Severus slowly rubbing her bum in ever increasing circles, applying a little more pressure, squeezing, teasing.... "But, um... Severus?"

"Yes?"

"Maybe later," she replied, thinking that she definitely was in need of a dark and quiet corner.

A voice from the shadows asked, "Why don't you just put me out of my misery now instead of planting that image in my head?"

"Remus, do not be concerned," Severus was quick to respond, even as Hermione processed the meaning of her friend's words. "I shall ensure that you are completely unaware of any activity Hermione and I happen to engage in."

"Boys, let's stop this banter before it gets out of control."

"Harry and Ron are boys... we are men," Severus pointed out with swift repartee.

"Oh, yes, of course, how stupid of me. You must forgive me. I was just confused by your infantile behavior."

Hermione was pleasantly taken aback when both men, in a surprising display of solidarity, turned toward one another and, in unison, shrugged in response. If nothing else, tonight definitely held some surprises. "Actually, I rather like the idea of being down here, alone... with both of my men." A smirk proudly displayed across her face.

"Yes, well, one of your men will be unconscious for most of the evening... if this works, that is."

Remus stepped out of the shadows. His face, lined and gray in the candlelight, showed he was worried despite his brave attempt at banter. "What a nice way to instill confidence, old man. I think I'd rather be left in the dark regarding the potential efficacy of your treatment as well as any nefarious entanglements you two find yourselves in."

"Oh, Remus, don't worry. Please, don't pay attention to Severus, we're going to do everything we can to make sure you don't have any idea what is going on."

"Indeed," Severus agreed, trying to instill peace and confidence into his old friend.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Remus growled, literally, allowing Hermione and Severus an opportunity to reflect on the real reason they were in the Chamber. Remus was only hours away from transformation, from becoming the beast, mentally and physically.

"Remus, it means that I am confident in my calculations, that this preparation will be effective in calming the beast." Severus turned back to the preparation table. "Oh, and Remus? Don't call me old man again."

~*~

Hermione assisted Severus in setting up the make-shift potions lab on the left side of the main cavern. While she completing her tasks under the menacing eyes of Salazar's formidable ornamental snakes, Severus created an effective confinement area in the Chamber's corridor.

"Severus, I don't know about this," Remus said as he paced the main Chamber, his hands stuffed into his pockets and his back hunched in a fruitless effort to keep his agitation under control. "Keeping me in the entryway to the Chamber just doesn't seem safe to me."

"Would you rather I kept you locked in a cell so you could sleep and defecate in safe proximity?"

"Well, now that you put it so eloquently, I think I much prefer it your way." A nervous laugh escaped Remus as he responded to Severus' dark humor. Hermione was becoming worried that they were taking too long to prepare. Remus would only become more agitated until eventually the inevitable change would occur.

"Remus," Severus interjected, "as Minerva indicated, there is absolutely no access to the school above from these Chambers. After it was rediscovered we sealed off all access points with stone, mortar, and magical wards. It is impossible to escape, which is why we have Portkeys for our exits. And now, if you don't mind, Remus, Hermione and I have more work to do and we will need time in which to do it.

"Hermione please join me so that I can give you the last of the instructions."

Severus gave Hermione the pocket watch Portkey and the obsidian rock that would return her to the Chamber. Severus provided precise instructions. The pocket watch was set to activate with a simple charm to take her directly to the Portkey Office of the Latin American Magical government headquarters. Once there, she was to have her identity verified, then she would be transported by a Ministry personnel to the remote location where the narcotic could be freshly harvested. Then, she would use the obsidian stone Portkey to immediately return to the Chamber, leaving the Ministry personnel to Apparate back to his or her office on their own. With her instructions given, Hermione held onto her Portkey, whispered the activation charm, and was whisked away on her Latin American adventure.

~*~

"Hermione, far be it from me to intrude on what seems to be a very private and cryptic affair, but I was not a spy for the fortune and fame alone. Since your return from Colombia you've been brooding when you should've been assisting me."

"Assisting you? Severus, your task here is the easy one! I've had the difficult job of tramping through the Amazon basin, looking for these little green leaves hidden amongst a billion other little green leaves."

"Yes, I see how that must have been difficult for you, what with a Ministry guide leading you to the exact spot they cultivate for harvesting, pointing individually at these elusive green leaves with a very pointed stick."

"You make it sound easy, but being in the jungle with its heat and humidity has done nothing for my hair, and let's not even mention the damned mosquitoes!"

"Hermione, forgive me for coming in-between you and your vanity, but if you will, I would appreciate your assistance here. I've just added the tea I created by steeping the leaves you harvested. It should be consumed as hot as Remus can take it, so please fetch him so we can begin."

"I prefer to bring him, rather than to fetch him."

"Which ever, although mine was more apropos."

Remus ambled up behind them. "Not to worry, I've fetched myself."

"Very well. We still have some time before your transformation and it would, of course, be easier to consume this potion whilst you are still in human form. I suggest you remove your clothing and drink the draught. It should immediately put you into a deep sleep, where, I hope, you won't experience the pain associated with your transformation."

"Will I become unconscious immediately upon consumption?" Remus asked.

"I'm not certain. Although it won't take long to find out, not with the intensity of the mixture that I've brewed."

"Forgive me, but I would prefer to remain in solitude while I transform. I've investigated the pipes meandering through here and I'd like to transform just on the other side of that entryway, there." Remus pointed toward his intended secluded area at the far end of the confinement area.

"Remus, I respect your need for privacy, but if you would please choose another spot, one that is closer. It is important for me to have you within visual range so that I can observe your movements. If at any moment I notice you stirring, I would like to take that opportunity to deliver another dosage of the potion, so that you can remain asleep throughout the night."

"I understand. And Severus, I just wanted you to know that I really do appreciate all of the additional effort you are putting into this, to ease the transformation for me."

"As I've already indicated, it was my carelessness that caused this situation, and it is my responsibility to rectify it as best I know how. This is what I came up with. I only hope that it works, for your sake and ours."

Hermione stopped what she was doing and turned to look over her shoulder at her former professor. He looked more worried than she had ever seen him before. "It will work, Remus. This narcotic is strong stuff! I will continue to get more from Colombia, mosquitoes be damned, and Severus will make more of the draught. You will be fine. Before we all know it, morning will come, and you will return to your human form. I've even taken the liberty of bringing a robe for when you do."

Remus walked up to Hermione and gently cupped her face. Without words, he looked into her eyes, enjoying the varying shades of brown he encountered. He bent his head to meet her lips and gently kissed her. As he pulled away, he whispered, "My life is dictated by the moon and that will never change. Do you understand what I'm saying? Be kind to yourself and enjoy your life. Be happy... for me." As Remus straightened, Hermione was about to respond to his words, but was stopped by soft fingers against her lips, sending a clear message that her response was not needed. Embracing a false, yet needed bravado, if he was to make it through the night with his dignity intact, he moved away from Hermione, toward Severus, who had his back to the pair as he dispensed the draught into a goblet. Sensing Remus' presence, and the delicateness of the situation, Severus turned and handed Remus his cup without saying a word. As Remus grabbed the cup he nodded his thanks and moved away toward the area which would afford him a bit of privacy for his transformation.

"Hermione," Severus whispered. "It would be wise if you obtained another cutting, so that if what I have given Remus does not work, I can provide him with another dosage."

The moment of truth had arrived, and Hermione was as determined as Severus to help Remus keep his monster at bay. "I'll be back in fifteen minutes." She grabbed the pocket watch and was pulled into the Portkey toward her destination.

Severus remained alone despite Remus' presence. Keeping himself busy, he ensured the temporary laboratory was cleaned and the base mixture was ready for its next infusion. All items were ready for use and within reach. With nothing else to do, he walked away from the lab, toward the right side of the main chamber, to a spot where he could see Remus sitting just inside the entrance to the castle's piping system. Both men, although separate, shared the fate of those waiting for their roles to be played out. Severus imitated Remus' position on the floor and realized the hardness of his perch. Casting a Cushioning Charm, Severus resumed his seat on a much more tolerable flagged floor.

As Severus relaxed for the first time in hours, he noticed Hermione's return. She looked disheveled and confused as she looked quickly around the Chamber, clearly searching for any sign of himself or Remus. She had not spotted him, and Severus took advantage of this opportunity to observe her. While she expertly crushed the leaves in the mortar, followed by steeping them, he noticed that her hair was scruffy, her face was sweaty, and she had red marks on her exposed skin. He astonished himself, as he knew what he saw was beautiful to him. Even as she scratched at her skin, making the red marks more pronounced, he knew that he wanted to have her. He wanted her, but he would have to think of something to tell her about the night he almost lost himself to the beast. He felt the welcome stirrings of his loins and decided that thinking was highly overrated.

Placing his fears aside, Severus stood up and walked towards her. "Before you were rubbing, now you are scratching," he gently purred into her ear.

"Huh?" Hermione was instantly aroused by his proximity, the vibration of his voice and the heat of his breath following the curvature of her ear, sending shivers down her spine. "Oh, yes, well. I hadn't noticed I was scratching." Her response was a bit breathier than she had anticipated. Her mind went on holiday as her body took control.

Severus moved closer, emboldened by IT's response. He pressed his erection against her back as he continued to murmur into her ear. "What, pray tell, has you scratching your skin raw, Hermione?"

"Mosquitoes," Hermione answered, as seductively as she could. "There are a lot of mosquitoes in the jungle." Reacting more to her hormonal instincts than any brain-power she could muster she leaned back into his erection. She closed her eyes and welcomed the firm feel of him.

"Hermione, do you know what is considered the best medicine to treat mosquito bites, reducing their swelling, and the itching that is inherent with their toxin?"

"No," she replied, unable to utter anything more complex or intelligent.

"Saliva."

"Saliva?"

"For a know-it-all, you seem to have forgotten-it-all."

Hermione's knees felt weak. She continued to lean against him, enjoying the feel of his hard body behind her. She didn't care if he called her a hippogriff at that moment. His dry wit was more tolerable when combined with a dry hump.

"How am I supposed to apply saliva to all of them? They're everywhere." Hermione expected that her question would have her usual spirit behind it, but it only held a whimper.

"If you beg nicely, I might help you," he purred, turning her around to face him. "Shall I kiss them, make them better?"

"Unhuh," she replied as best she could. Severus hadn't waited for her reply, he'd begun to suck on her lips. Whatever her verbal reply turned out to be didn't matter at this point, as she grabbed him by the back of the neck to pull him down, opening her mouth to him.

Hermione was lost in the sensations Severus was creating. He leaned her back, reached around her, and in one swift movement delivered the promised caress to her arse, parting her thighs. She was open to him, and he took full advantage, pressing his hardness against her center. Time and place were forgotten. Hermione was only aware of the heat of her desire, the wetness of her core, and the hardness of Severus' erection. Tilting her head back, she let out a soft moan of pleasure. Encouraged, Severus pressed his body even closer and reclaimed her lips in a fervent, demanding kiss. Her fingers entwined into his hair, her only anchor as she relinquished, let go, submitted to his being in complete control. She relished the unexpected eroticism of their tongue's light touching and the contrast of his firm hand possessively grasping her breast. In the distance, she could hear Severus' purrs change from sultry to a low growl with just a hint of danger. 'Yes,' Hermione thought, 'this is what I want.'

Severus pulled away slightly and asked, "Are you growling?"

"I thought you were."

Reality seemed to dawn on the pair. Severus turned to look behind him, but was violently thrown across the Chamber, his body slammed against the far wall. His stomach gripped with fear as he heard Hermione scream. Opening his eyes, willing his body to stand upright despite the pain, he saw a naked Remus, still in human form, coming toward him in a predatory manner.

"Leave my woman alone!" Remus roared, in an eerie combination of a human rumble and an animalistic growl, declaring his descent into the madness of a werewolf.

"Remus, stop!" Hermione yelled from behind him. As Remus turned toward her, Severus took the opportunity and reached for his wand. He was ready to cast a Binding Charm, but it was no longer necessary. Remus doubled over and began morphing into the wolf.

"Hermione, hurry, extract the leaves from the liquid," Severus yelled as he limped back toward the laboratory table. Hermione did what she was told, efficiently and without question. Remus continued to transform, just feet away. Quickly, Severus added the infused tea to the base potion, stirred, and poured it into the goblet. As he turned around, Remus the wolf was transformed and preparing to attack him. With one swift wand movement, Severus bound the wolf with a Binding Charm and carefully tipped the potion into the werewolf's open mouth.

With the wolf bound, it was difficult to know if the potion had any effect. "Hermione, get the goblet Portkey ready. I'm not certain this will work." Severus levitated the wolf to a safer distance, toward the original opening of the Chamber, approximately seventy-five feet away. Removing the Levitation and Binding Charms, Severus set the wards and stood beside Hermione, awaiting the wolf's reaction.

When none came, they turned toward each other and embraced. Hermione cried into Severus' chest, letting go of all the stress and fear of the moment. In this, her moment of weakness, Hermione was certain Severus would allow her her tears, as he held onto her as tightly as she held onto him. And in his embrace, she thought back to Remus and his possessive statement to leave his woman alone. Her shoulders started to rumble, not from weeping or from fear, but from a pure sense of liberation and giddiness.

"Are you okay, Hermione?" Severus asked, concerned that her weeping had become amplified.

Hermione held onto Severus by his waist as she lifted her head to look up at him, exposing her face and all its contradiction. Tears fell from her eyes, but her mouth was held taut in a surprisingly hearty laugh. "Yes, Severus, I'm fine. It's just that I've always wanted to be desired and needed. I can't believe that in that one statement, Remus gave me what I've wanted to hear for ages."

"Is that what you want, Hermione, to be ravished by an animal?"

"No... no of course not, but well... yes, but not with all of that scary stuff that came along with his particular declaration."

"Apparently, Remus is rather possessive of you," Severus commented as he tested the wards to ensure their safety.

"It's just as a result of his transformation and his increased agitation prior to his change. You know Remus, he's quite the gentleman, and just moments before, he urged me to forget him and be happy."

"So, you and Remus were not involved?"

"No, we never have been, though we have feelings for one another."

"You've never been intimate?" he asked, truly unable to comprehend having feelings for someone and not acting upon them.

"No, Severus, why do you ask?"

"Well, I just assumed that if you and he both have feelings for the other that intimacy would follow."

"I need time to sow my oats, to do what I want to do, and if in the future we still share these feelings then we can be free to explore them further. For now, it's clear that I am not ready for a commitment of that sort."

"Just what are you ready for, Hermione?"

"For everything life has to offer."

Still embracing each other, Severus tightened his hold and again took possession of her mouth. He demanded entrance, and she acquiesced. If Hermione wanted to be dominated and possessed, he would be the one to claim her. It seemed to be a perfect marriage of personalities.

"Umm, that's nice," Hermione mewed, her every fiber tingling with pleasure. "You know, Severus, it has just occurred to me that we should continue with our sessions, considering how many non-refundable Galleons you have already paid me. Why don't we do something different, considering the unusual circumstances of our arrangement? I suggest we conduct an examination of sorts, and depending on the results, we may need to engage in practical sessions to help move you along. What do you say?"

To Be Continued...

A/N: Special thanks go out to the magnificent Wartcap for the brilliant beta job! All hail, Wartcap! I'm honored to have Wartcap beta this story. I'm a fan of hers and feel like I'm in the presence of a celebrity. If you haven't read her stories, you are greatly missing out.

Thanks also go out to Tinnidawg and SiriusWoman for the once over, and to Becky for the amazing Sex Therapy in the Dungeon avatars she's created!